Traveling with your beloved pet can be an exciting experience, and Spirit Airlines understands this desire. They welcome small domesticated pets on all domestic flights, including those to Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., allowing your furry, feathered, or bunny companions to join you in the cabin. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to add a pet to your Spirit flight, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your animal friend.
Understanding Spirit Airlines’ Pet Policy
Before you book your flight, it’s crucial to understand Spirit Airlines’ specific pet policies. These guidelines are designed to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, including your pet.
Eligible Pets for Cabin Travel
Spirit Airlines permits the following types of pets to travel in the cabin:
- Domestic dogs
- Domestic cats
- Small household birds (excluding flights to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I.)
- Small domestic rabbits (excluding flights to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I.)
Important Note: Certain birds are not classified as household birds and are not allowed. These include farm poultry, waterfowl, game birds, birds of prey, and flightless birds. It’s always best to confirm with Spirit Airlines if you are unsure about your bird type.
Considerations for Brachycephalic Breeds (Snub-Nosed Dogs)
Snub-nosed dog breeds, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers, may face increased health risks during air travel due to their respiratory systems. If you plan to fly with a brachycephalic breed, consulting your veterinarian for advice on necessary precautions is highly recommended.
Policy Update on Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
As of January 11, 2021, Spirit Airlines, in accordance with updated Department of Transportation regulations, requires emotional support animals to travel as pets. ESAs are no longer permitted to fly in the cabin without adhering to the standard pet policies and fees.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Add a Pet to Your Spirit Flight Reservation
Adding your pet to your Spirit Airlines reservation is a straightforward process. It is advisable to make these arrangements as early as possible, ideally when you are initially booking your flight, as Spirit Airlines limits the number of pet containers to six per aircraft on domestic flights.
Booking Your Pet’s Travel
To add a pet to your existing or new reservation, the most direct method is to contact Spirit Airlines via chat. You can initiate a chat session through their website. Inform the Spirit representative that you wish to add a pet to your flight. They will guide you through the necessary steps and confirm availability, as there’s a limit to the number of pets allowed per flight.
Understanding Pet Fees
Traveling with a pet on Spirit Airlines incurs a fee. It’s important to be aware of these charges when planning your travel budget. You can find the most current pet fees on the Spirit Airlines Optional Services page. These fees are typically paid at the time of booking or when adding the pet to your reservation.
Checking In at the Airport with Your Pet
When traveling with a pet, the check-in process differs slightly from standard procedures.
Ticket Counter Check-In is Required
Guests traveling with pets must check in at the Spirit Airlines ticket counter. Curbside check-in and self-service check-in options are not available when traveling with an animal. Arriving at the airport with extra time is crucial to accommodate the check-in process and any potential questions or verifications.
Essential Guidelines for Pet Travel on Spirit Airlines
To ensure a safe and pleasant flight for your pet and fellow passengers, Spirit Airlines has established specific guidelines that must be followed.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
For most domestic flights, Spirit Airlines does not mandate a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin. However, there are exceptions:
- USVI Travel: A health certificate is required for pets traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Puerto Rico Travel: A rabies vaccination certificate is mandatory for pets traveling to Puerto Rico.
It’s always a good practice to have your pet’s vaccination records readily available, regardless of the destination.
Pet Type and Breed Restrictions
Spirit Airlines has clear restrictions on the types of pets allowed. Exotic pets, such as snakes, spiders, rodents, and similar animals, are strictly prohibited. Ensure your pet falls within the permitted categories: domestic dogs, domestic cats, small household birds, and small domestic rabbits (with exclusions for Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I. for birds and rabbits).
Pet Carrier Guidelines and Size Limits
The pet carrier is considered part of your carry-on baggage allowance. Specific regulations apply to pet carriers:
- Carrier Size: The maximum dimensions for a pet carrier are 18″x14″x9″ (L x W x H). This size ensures the carrier fits comfortably under the seat in front of you.
- Carrier Type: Only soft-sided carriers are permitted in the cabin. Carriers that allow the pet’s head to protrude are not allowed.
- Container Requirements: The carrier must be approved by Spirit Airlines, subject to inspection, and comply with all government regulations for safe animal transportation.
- Pet Capacity: A maximum of two pets are allowed per container, but each passenger is limited to one pet container.
- Comfort and Space: The animal must be able to stand upright and turn around comfortably within the carrier. Pets must remain inside their carriers throughout the duration of the flight.
Pet Age and Behavior
For the well-being of your pet and other passengers, the following conditions must be met:
- Age: Pets must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned to travel.
- Behavior: The animal must be harmless, inoffensive, odorless, and not require attention during the flight. Any animal exhibiting offensive behavior or causing a disturbance before departure may be removed from the flight.
- Health: Pets that are ill, violent, or in physical distress are not permitted to fly.
Seating Restrictions for Passengers with Pets
When traveling with a pet, seating options are slightly limited for safety and logistical reasons. Passengers with pets are not allowed to sit in the first row or in emergency exit rows. However, you can choose any other available seat on the aircraft.
Pets in Cargo and International Travel Policies
It is important to note that Spirit Airlines does not transport pets in the cargo compartment under any circumstances.
Furthermore, Spirit Airlines generally does not accept animals on international flights, with the exception of trained service animals. If you are traveling internationally with a service animal, contacting Spirit Airlines in advance is crucial to understand any destination-specific documentation or regulations.
Security Screening Procedures with Your Pet
Be prepared to present your pet and its carrier to TSA security screeners at the checkpoint. Your pet will need to undergo security screening, which may involve removing the animal from its carrier temporarily as instructed by security personnel.
Choosing the Right Pet Carrier
Selecting an appropriate pet carrier is essential for comfortable and compliant pet travel on Spirit Airlines. Ensure your carrier:
- Meets the specified dimensions (18″x14″x9″).
- Is soft-sided and well-ventilated.
- Is secure and escape-proof.
- Allows your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
By carefully planning and adhering to these guidelines on how to add a pet to your Spirit flight, you can look forward to a pleasant journey with your animal companion. Remember to prioritize your pet’s comfort and safety throughout the travel experience.
Alt Text: Small dog comfortably settled inside an approved pet carrier on a Spirit Airlines flight, looking relaxed and content.
Alt Text: A cat safely inside a soft carrier placed under an airplane seat, demonstrating Spirit Airlines’ pet travel compatibility.
